Phonological processing or Visual processing? Which is in control when you read?

Phonological processing or Visual processing? Which is in control when you read?

This is a very important question. Possibly it is the most important as we move towards enabling more people to have more access to text.

It is obvious that reading is a ‘phonological output.’ Text is a ‘substitute for the spoken word, our thoughts are speech based.

A second question that needs considering is this.

What controls phonological processing?

I ask you this one question.

Does the font you are reading affect how easy it is to read?

Does the font you are reading affect how easy it is to read?

Does the font you are reading affect how easy it is to read?

Does the font you are reading affect how easy it is to read?

Does the font you are reading affect how easy it is to read?

If your answer is yes then you are saying that  

‘My phonological output is controlled by my visual processing.’

 If it does not then perhaps your phonological processing might not be being controlled by visual processing.  You would need to check more carefully.

If a colour or screen brightness makes it easier or harder to read then again Visual processing is in charge.

If the reading of the person in front of you is at all affected by the way the text is presented then again you are agreeing that...

‘Their phonological output is controlled by my their processing’

So anyone out there been in denial?

For those that replied ‘Yes’ 

Please answer the following question.  Why?

I am not sure yet but there are some pretty good hypotheses and some good theories, good biology.

Crowding effects, foveal diameter, magnocellular deficit, visual attention span, uncorrected refractive/focussing problems, and Binocular muscle management/cerebellum problems?

There may be many other problems that the person is having that exacerbate their studying or access to text. BUT that is not the cause of their present reading performance.

Just a bit of logic.

Respond in comments on the blog.

First remove, if possible any visual barriers to phonological processing.

I do not try and motivate my car to run better. I make sure what can be accurately adjusted is.